SHREVEPORT, La. – Georgia Tech and Air Force often have the advantage of sneaking up on opponents, thanks to their run-first, triple-option offenses that seem like dinosaurs in today’s college football world.

There will be no ambushes in today’s Independence Bowl, though. The Yellow Jackets and Falcons instead might feel like they’re looking in a mirror.

Georgia Tech (6-6) is the nation’s top rushing team, averaging 327 yards per game, while Air Force (8-4) is right behind at more than 317 yards per game.

There are some subtle differences to each team’s scheme — both coaches agree that Air Force likes to take a zone-read approach — but there’s no doubt that there will be very few surprises.

“There’s probably more similarities than there are differences,” Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson said. “The bottom line is it doesn’t really matter what you do, it really comes down to execution.”

Air Force Coach Troy Calhoun agreed, but said with both teams so familiar with each other, it might come down to which team is able to strike through the air at the perfect moment.

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“The key part is what happens in the passing game,” Calhoun said. “How efficient are you going to be when you do end up throwing the football? And then defensively, how well do you defend the big play?”

The Falcons would appear to have an advantage there.

Georgia Tech will be playing without its star quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, who is out with a broken right arm.

So it’s up to Tevin Washington, who completed 20 of 48 passes for 376 yards with two TDs and two interceptions this season.

Air Force has a more balanced offense. Tim Jefferson has completed 52 percent of his passes for 1,342 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also rushed for 769 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Air Force also figures to have the home-field advantage — Barksdale Air Force Base is located just miles away from Independence Stadium.

“I’d say we’re pretty evenly matched across the board,” Falcon receiver Jonathan Warzeka said. “I think it comes down to who wants it.”

 


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